Hometown honors planned for Farmington Vietnam War veterans

A three-year commemoration to honor and thank more than 500 Vietnam veterans and their families living in or connected to Farmington will kick off on Sunday, Aug. 24, at Farmington Town Park on County Road 8.

A three-year commemoration to honor and thank more than 500 Vietnam veterans and their families living in or connected to Farmington will kick off on Sunday, Aug. 24, at Farmington Town Park on County Road 8.

At the helm of this effort is Farmington historian and champion of Vietnam veterans Donna Hill-Herendeen. Together with the Farmington Vietnam War Commemorative Committee and with the support of town officials, she and her team will oversee six or more events over the next three years — all designed to thank and honor those who served in the Vietnam War, and the families who have supported them.

“Our committee began with a zero budget. But through donations from local businesses and the hard work of our committee, we will be able to host the August event," Hill-Herendeen said.

So far, nearly 175 Vietnam veterans living in Farmington have been identified. Organizers believe there are many more, and hope word of mouth will spread so that all are invited to the kick-off event on Aug. 24.

“At first we expected about 500 people, but that number is beginning to swell,” said Hill-Herendeen of the Aug. 24 event. “We will have a formal program with speakers, refreshments and media coverage. Veterans will also be gifted with merchandise that is provided to us by the national program.”

Special guests will include the Patriot Guard Riders of New York, The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 Honor Guard and Color Guard, and 10th Mountain Division Band of Fort Drum. Event speakers will include public officials, organizations' representatives and veterans, Hill-Herendeen said. Television personality Kevin Doran will serve as master of ceremonies.

Vietnam veterans or their families are invited to visit Farmington Town Hall before Aug. 8 to pick up free tickets and give the number of guests who will be attending, Hill-Herendeen said. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs on the day of the event. The tribute ceremony will begin at noon, with an opportunity to mingle and connect with other veterans and families over refreshments, including hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages, she said.

“I'm really very passionate about this particular program,” said Hill-Herendeen. “It gives Farmington the opportunity to honor and thank these veterans the way that they should be honored and thanked.”